Meet one of the smartest investments in garter snake breeding — the Het Albino Checkered Garter Snake! This gorgeous baby carries the albino gene hidden within its DNA, displaying the classic bold checkered pattern of deep olive and black that makes Thamnophis marcianus one of the most visually striking garter species in North America. While this snake looks like a stunning normal checkered garter on the outside, it’s what’s on the inside that counts — and this one is packed with genetic potential.
Captive bred right here in 2025, this healthy baby is already feeding well and showing a confident, curious personality that checkered garters are famous for. Het albinos are the secret weapon of any breeding project: pair two hets together and you’ll produce visual albinos in the clutch. Even if breeding isn’t your plan, you’re getting a hardy, active, and beautifully patterned snake at an incredible value.
At just $75, this is an unbeatable entry point into the world of checkered garter snakes and garter snake genetics. Whether you’re building a future breeding colony or simply want a lively, easy-to-care-for pet with a fascinating genetic backstory, this het albino checkered garter is ready to come home with you from Jungle Treasures Exotics in Shawnee, Oklahoma!
- Checkered garter snakes are one of the few snake species that can eat fish, earthworms, AND rodents — making them incredibly versatile feeders that almost never go off food!
- “Het” means heterozygous — this snake carries one copy of the albino gene. When bred to another het or a visual albino, it can produce stunning albino offspring with bright orange and yellow coloring.
- Unlike most snakes, garter snakes are social and can be housed in small groups. In the wild, checkered garters sometimes gather by the hundreds during brumation!
Enclosure: 20-gallon long minimum for adults; front-opening terrariums work great
Temperature: 75–85°F gradient with a basking spot up to 88°F
Humidity: 40–60%, with a humid hide available during shed
Diet: Pinky mice, cut chicken, fish, earthworms — varied diet recommended
Lifespan: 8–12 years with proper care
Experience Level: Beginner-friendly — excellent first snake!
- Breeding Powerhouse — Carries the albino gene, making this snake a fantastic foundation for a future breeding project
- Unbeatable Price — At $75, you get a captive-bred, healthy baby with proven genetics at a fraction of the cost of a visual albino
- Beginner Friendly — Checkered garters are hardy, rarely refuse meals, and tolerate handling well
- Active & Entertaining — These snakes are diurnal and love to explore, making them far more visible and engaging than many other species
- Captive Bred 2025 — Born in captivity this year, ensuring a healthy, parasite-free animal that’s already well-started on food
